Denver’s NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League) expansion team, set to debut in 2026, has unveiled plans for a 14,500-seat stadium, the ownership group announced on Tuesday.
The stadium will be built within Denver city limits at Santa Fe Yards, adjacent to the Broadway Light Rail station. The project will feature a 3.5-acre park and a mixed-use development, adding to the vibrancy of the area.
Scheduled to open in the spring of 2028, the stadium’s design is being developed in collaboration with the architectural firm Populous.
“When we went through all the sites, this is the one that checked all the boxes in terms of what was important to us, what was important to the city, and hopefully as the community learns about it, what’s important to the neighborhoods and how we can use this site to help transform that area of town,” said controlling owner Rob Cohen in an exclusive interview with ESPN.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “It’s only fitting that the hottest ticket in town will be making its home on Broadway. This project at Santa Fe Yards will transform an underutilized eyesore into a recreational and economic hub where memories are made, culture is built, and championships are won.”
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman also praised the announcement, calling it “a game-changer for the NWSL and a bold statement about where women’s sports are headed. Santa Fe Yards will set a new standard for what professional athletes deserve — a purpose-built stadium and entertainment district that reflects the passion of this city and our league’s continued growth.”
The investment in the team is being recognized as the largest in women’s sports history. While Cohen acknowledged there is “no way to prove that or [disprove] that,” he emphasized that the investment encompasses multiple aspects of the organization, including the expansion fee, training facility construction, a temporary stadium, and the permanent stadium.
